Surgical infrastructure carrier device, surgical infrastructure system and use of a ceiling-mounted coupling

Abstract

The present invention relates to a surgical infrastructure carrier device (1), comprising: a carrier platform (2) designed to receive surgical infrastructure; a support structure (4) extending from the carrier platform; a coupler (5) which is arranged at an upper end of the support structure and which is designed for coupling to a ceiling-mounted coupling (6) such that the surgical infrastructure carrier device (1) can be suspended from the ceiling-mounted coupling (6); and a receptacle (7) which is arranged at a lower end of the support structure (4) and which is designed as an interface to a floor-mounted transport device (8) such that the surgical infrastructure support device (1) can be transported on the floor-mounted transport device (8). The present invention further relates to a surgical infrastructure system (10) comprising: a floor-mounted transport device (8), a plurality of ceiling-mounted couplings (6), and a carrier device (1). The present invention additionally relates to a use of a ceiling-mounted coupling (6) for coupling and decoupling mobile surgical infrastructure as needed by means of a carrier device (1).

Description

[0001] Operational infrastructure support device, operational infrastructure system and use of a ceiling-mounted coupling

[0002] AREA OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an operating infrastructure carrier device, an operating infrastructure system and the use of a ceiling-mounted coupling for the on-demand coupling and uncoupling of mobile operating infrastructure by means of a carrier device.

[0004] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] Operating room infrastructure is typically provided on wheels and is usually floor-mounted. This usually involves using equipment carts that are manually pushed into the operating room to a predetermined location. Such a situation is schematically illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0006] Existing mobile infrastructure in the operating room, such as equipment carts, can be prepared in a nearby sterile technical room and then moved and, if necessary, installed by one person at any point in the operating room. However, this requires significant personnel resources. Furthermore, it is difficult for staff to precisely replicate a predefined position of the mobile infrastructure to which a surgeon is accustomed. Additionally, the manual handling of mobile infrastructure can lead to collisions, damage, or injuries due to carelessness. Mobile infrastructure also requires a certain amount of floor space for stability. This space is then no longer available as a work area for those present, especially the operating room staff and / or the surgeon. This is particularly disadvantageous when several such mobile infrastructures are located close together.Another disadvantage of such stationary mobile infrastructures is the risk of tipping over, for example, with tall equipment towers. Attempts to improve stability through a larger footprint or outrigger supports negatively impact the space required. Sometimes, ceiling rail systems and so-called trolleys are used to solve such problems, thus avoiding the need for floor-level installation. EP 3 792 204 B1 describes such a concept for an operating room with a ceiling rail system and trolleys running on it, forming a support system for a medical treatment room. These systems are, in particular, 2D rail systems extending across multiple rooms, with rails passing through doorways.The disadvantages include the installation effort and costs for creating a comprehensive rail system due to the large number of individual elements, and especially the complex task of subsequently sealing the doors in the rail area. Furthermore, the concept is difficult to combine with typical existing installations, such as ceiling-mounted supply units (CSUs). The long arms of the CSUs can obstruct the movement of the trolleys or their payloads, causing malfunctions. Therefore, such a ceiling rail system with trolleys is essentially only suitable for complete renovations and new constructions of operating rooms or entire hospitals.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an improved operational infrastructure system and an improved operational infrastructure support device.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by an operational infrastructure support device with the features of claim 1 and / or by an operational infrastructure system with the features of claim 7 and / or by the corresponding use of a ceiling-mounted coupling with the features of claim 14.

[0010] Accordingly, the following is provided: - An operational infrastructure support device, comprising: a support platform designed to accommodate operational infrastructure; a support structure extending from the support platform; a coupler arranged at an upper end of the support structure, designed for coupling with a ceiling-mounted coupling, so that the operational infrastructure support device can be suspended from the ceiling-mounted coupling; and a receptacle arranged at a lower end of the support structure, designed as an interface to a ground-based transport device, so that the operational infrastructure support device can be transported on the ground-based transport device.

[0011] - Surgical infrastructure system comprising: a floor-mounted transport device designed for transport within an operating room; a plurality of ceiling-mounted couplings designed for suspending surgical infrastructure; a support device, in particular a surgical infrastructure support device according to one of the preceding claims, designed to receive surgical infrastructure and comprising a coupler corresponding to the couplings; and a height adjustment device, wherein the floor-mounted transport device is designed for placing and / or receiving the support device under a selected coupling of the plurality of ceiling-mounted couplings, wherein the height adjustment device is designed for coupling or uncoupling the coupler with the respective coupling.

[0012] - Use of a ceiling-mounted coupling for the on-demand coupling and uncoupling of mobile operating infrastructure by means of a carrier device, in particular an operating infrastructure carrier device according to the invention, with a coupler corresponding to the coupling, in particular in an operating infrastructure system according to the invention, in a sterile operating room and / or in a sterile operating preparation room.

[0013] The underlying insight of the present invention is that, for the provision of operating infrastructure in an operating room, floor-based transport in combination with ceiling-mounted attachment at the destination is particularly advantageous. One of the underlying ideas of the present invention is to design a support device for operating infrastructure, on the one hand with a receptacle as an interface to a floor-based transport device and, on the other hand with a coupler for coupling to a ceiling-mounted coupling.

[0014] An operating room equipped with corresponding ceiling-mounted couplings represents, in this sense, a use according to the invention for such a coupling. A coupling is permanently mounted on the ceiling of the operating room at at least one location, preferably at several locations, to which a mobile operating infrastructure on an operating infrastructure support device can be coupled by means of the coupler.

[0015] For example, the couplings can be mounted regularly in a grid or irregularly at predetermined positions on the ceiling that are advantageous for carrying out different operations.

[0016] The support device and the couplings function together in an operational infrastructure system according to the invention, in conjunction with at least one suitable ground-based transport device and a height adjustment device that moves the support device from a ground-based position to a ceiling-based position or vice versa. An underlying concept is to enable coupling and / or decoupling of the operational infrastructure support device with the ceiling-based coupling by means of the height adjustment device when the ground-based transport device is positioned under or has moved under the corresponding coupling.

[0017] In this way, many of the logistical advantages known from ceiling rail systems are achieved, but with a significantly simpler device. In particular, this results in a considerably lower barrier to entry and requires far less structural effort for implementation in an operating room or surgical clinic.

[0018] The space-crossing transport of mobile operating infrastructure can, according to the invention, still take place through conventional operating room doors using the ground-based transport devices, so that these do not need to be structurally modified.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention enables a space-efficient and reproducible arrangement of operating infrastructure. In particular, the space beneath a suspended support structure remains accessible or otherwise usable. Moreover, due to the preferably fixed position of the couplings on the ceiling, the position of the operating infrastructure support structure and its platform for the operating infrastructure can be precisely reproduced.

[0020] According to the invention, a support platform can have a wide variety of configurations. In addition to a classic design for storage, for example as a flat surface, box or cabinet, it can also be a different type of platform in the sense of a carrier interface, for example with or for a holder for special surgical devices or instruments.

[0021] According to the invention, a receptacle can have various designs for ground-based transport. In addition to a flat base on which the carrier device can be lifted, it can also provide mounting points for a forklift fork, eyelets for hook attachment, a positive-locking receptacle, or a coupler similar or analogous to the upper coupler, or a corresponding coupling as an interface to a ground-based transport device.

[0022] According to the invention, the surgical infrastructure located on the surgical infrastructure support device can advantageously be limited to the minimum required for a specific procedure; that is, the equipment does not need to be universal, and only the necessary infrastructure is brought into the operating room. This advantageously improves clarity and freedom of movement, leads to improved efficiency and versatility of the procedures that can be performed, and thus improves the quality of the surgery.

[0023] Furthermore, existing infrastructures, such as DVEs or other types of transport robots, etc., can continue to be used to their advantage. According to the invention, operating room infrastructures, such as equipment towers, operating lights, material boxes, instrument trays, surgical robots, monitors, X-ray machines, operating tables, clean air Lamimar flow boxes, partitions, etc., or other operating room infrastructures, are brought to predetermined locations in the operating room, for example, from an adjacent sterile technical room, and flexibly installed on the ceiling-mounted couplings. According to the invention, no walkable area and comparatively less walkable volume of the operating room are occupied compared to floor-mounted infrastructures. Particularly advantageous is the ability to continue using existing operating room equipment in parallel despite the use of the operating room infrastructure system according to the invention.

[0024] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support structure has a height adjustment device designed for variably adjusting the distance between the support platform and the coupler. Alternatively or additionally, the height adjustment device can be designed for variably adjusting the distance between the receptacle and the coupler.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment of an operating infrastructure system, a height adjustment device can be designed as part of the transport device, thus making the height of the entire operating infrastructure carrier device adjustable.

[0027] The height adjustment device, whether configured as part of the support structure or as part of the transport device, can take various forms, such as a telescopic lifting column, a spindle drive, a scissor lift, or similar components. The height adjustment device is designed to insert the coupler into the coupling for coupling or to move it out of the coupling for decoupling. Alternatively or additionally, the height adjustment device can be configured to raise or lower the support platform, including the operating infrastructure and its mounting, particularly when the operating infrastructure support device is attached to the coupling via the coupler. According to one embodiment, the coupler is designed not only for mechanical coupling but also for power supply to the operating infrastructure.In particular, the coupler features a so-called hybrid coupling, which, in addition to mechanical coupling, is also designed for the supply of electrical energy, liquid, gas, vacuum, and / or data exchange. This can be coupled to a ceiling-mounted coupling, also designed as a hybrid coupling, which is supplied via supply lines in or on the ceiling.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the coupler has an actuator designed for active mechanical locking and / or unlocking with the coupling. Such an actuator can be configured in various ways, for example as a claw that engages with an eyelet of the coupling by extending, or as an expanding dome designed to spread engagement elements that engage in an undercut of the coupling, or as an eccentric that engages with a shoulder of the coupling by rotating, or the like. Furthermore, the actuator can be driven in various ways, for example by an electric motor, pneumatically, and / or hydraulically.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the support structure and optionally or additionally the carrier platform have a kinematic element that provides at least one kinematic degree of freedom for the operational infrastructure mounted on the carrier platform relative to the coupler. In particular, this is a kinematic element provided in addition to the height adjustment device. Specifically, the degree of freedom provided is rotational adjustability about a vertical or horizontal axis, translational adjustability in the horizontal plane, or a combination of one or all such adjustability.

[0030] According to one embodiment of an operational infrastructure system, the height adjustment device is designed to insert the coupler into the coupling and subsequently relieve the transport device, so that the support device hangs from the selected ceiling-mounted coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the height adjustment device is designed to relieve the coupling and allow the transport device to receive the support device, so that the support device can be transported with the transport device. In this way, the height adjustment device is designed for the automatic coupling or uncoupling of the coupler with the respective coupling.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the transport device is designed as an autonomous transport device, enabling it to autonomously approach a selected coupling from among a plurality of ceiling-mounted couplings. In particular, a control system for the operating infrastructure is provided, allowing the selection of a coupling from the plurality of couplings. This control system then directs the autonomous transport device to approach the selected coupling or an area below the selected coupling. For example, a wireless data connection exists between the control system and the transport device. The transport device is designed to automatically, and in particular autonomously, approach the selected coupling based on data transmitted by the control system. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for personnel to move and connect the operating infrastructure in the operating room.This staff will therefore be freed up for other tasks, such as preparing for the next operation or cleaning / refurbishing used operating infrastructure.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the height adjustment device is actuator-operated and, upon reaching a selected coupling point, can be activated by the floor-mounted transport device for height adjustment. The height adjustment device is controlled, in particular, by the operational infrastructure system, so that it automatically adjusts itself to couple or uncouple the coupler to the respective coupling point upon reaching the selected coupling point. For example, a battery can serve as the energy source for the actuator adjustment in the case of an electric actuator, or a gas pressure accumulator in the case of a pneumatic actuator. Advantageously, the height adjustment for coupling or uncoupling is automated and, in particular, independent of other infrastructure.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the coupler has an actuator, and the coupling has a mechanical receiving element upon which the coupler's actuator acts to lock and unlock. In particular, an actuator-adjustable locking element of the coupler is provided and designed for this purpose. Specifically, the actuator can be controlled by a control system of the operational infrastructure system, so that it automatically locks or unlocks itself upon reaching the selected coupling to connect or disconnect the coupler from the respective coupling. For example, a battery can serve as the energy source for the actuator's adjustment in the case of an electric actuator, or a gas pressure accumulator in the case of a pneumatic actuator. Advantageously, the locking and unlocking for coupling or disconnecting is automated and, in particular, independent of other infrastructure.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the application, the couplings are arranged in a regular or irregular grid pattern and are ceiling-mounted. Alternatively or additionally, the couplings can be attached to a ceiling guide system. In particular, a coupling can be provided on an arm of a ceiling supply unit or on a trolley of a ceiling track system.

[0035] According to one embodiment, each coupling has a navigation element, in particular an individual navigation element, wherein the transport device is designed for spatial detection of and / or remote communication with the navigation element. In this way, the couplings or a ground-based location below the couplings can be navigated by the transport device. In particular, the respective navigation element serves to autonomously approach a selected coupling from the majority of ceiling-mounted couplings by the transport device.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the couplings and / or the coupler have a centering aid, which advantageously facilitates the insertion of the coupler into the coupling. In particular, the centering aid has a guide that is inclined and / or substantially conical in shape relative to the insertion direction.

[0037] The above configurations and further developments can be combined as desired, where appropriate. In particular, all features of the operational infrastructure support device and / or all features of the use of a ceiling-mounted coupling can be transferred to the operational infrastructure system.

[0038] Further possible embodiments, developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

[0039] CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

[0040] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. These figures show:

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an operational infrastructure support device;

[0042] Fig. 2A-D shows a schematic sequence of coupling an operational infrastructure support device with a ceiling-mounted coupling;

[0043] Fig. 3A shows a schematic representation of an operational infrastructure system in a decoupled state;

[0044] Fig. 3B shows a schematic representation of the operational infrastructure system according to Fig. 3A in a coupled state;

[0045] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a hybrid coupling and a hybrid coupler;

[0046] Fig. 5A shows an actuator-adjustable locking element according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 5B The actuator-adjustable locking element according to Fig. 5A in an open state;

[0048] Fig. 6 shows an operational infrastructure system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Fig. 7 shows an operational infrastructure system according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 8 shows an operational infrastructure system according to yet another exemplary embodiment; and

[0050] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary ground-based operational infrastructure according to the state of the art.

[0051] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0052] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and similarly acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0053] DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an operational infrastructure support device 1 .

[0055] The operating infrastructure support device 1 has a support platform 2 designed to accommodate an operating infrastructure 3. A support structure 4 extends from the support platform 2, shown here as an example both upwards and downwards relative to the support platform. A coupler 5 is arranged at one upper end of the support structure 4, designed for coupling with a ceiling-mounted coupling 6. The operating infrastructure support device 1 can thus be suspended by coupling it to the ceiling-mounted coupling 6.

[0056] A receptacle 7 is arranged at one lower end of the support structure 4. This receptacle serves as an interface to a ground-based transport device 8 (see Fig. 2A). In this way, the operational infrastructure support device 1 can be transported on a ground-based transport device 8. Figs. 2A-D show a schematic diagram of the coupling process for an operational infrastructure support device 1 with a ceiling-mounted coupling 6.

[0057] According to Fig. 2A, the surgical infrastructure support device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is mounted on a ground-based transport device 8 at the mounting point 7 and is thus transported, as symbolized by the arrow indicating movement. A surgical infrastructure component 3, for example a medical monitoring device or a surgical instrument, is mounted on the support platform 2 of the surgical infrastructure support device 1.

[0058] According to Fig. 2B, the operating infrastructure support device 1 is positioned by the transport device 8 under a ceiling-mounted coupling 6. The support structure 4 of the operating infrastructure support device 1 has a height adjustment device 9, which is designed for variably adjusting the distance between the support platform 2 and the coupler 5 or between the receptacle 7 and the coupler 5.

[0059] According to Fig. 2C, the height adjustment device 9 is adjusted so that the coupler 5 arranged under the coupling 6 is extended by adjusting the height adjustment device 9 and inserted into the coupling.

[0060] The height adjustment device 9 is further designed to raise or lower the support platform 2, including the operating infrastructure 3 and the mounting 7. As shown in Fig. 2D, the height adjustment device 9 is then adjusted back to its original position or retracted, with the operating infrastructure support device 1 suspended from the ceiling-mounted coupling 6. This relieves the load on the transport device 8, allowing it to be removed from the operating infrastructure support device 1, as symbolized by the arrow pointing in the opposite direction to that in Fig. 2A. Further adjustments allow the desired working height of the operating infrastructure to be set.

[0061] To decouple the operating infrastructure support device 1 from the coupling while suspended, the process is reversed. First, a ground-based transport device 8 is positioned under the operating infrastructure support device 1 and the coupling 6. Then, the height adjustment device 9 is extended until the coupling 6 is relieved of its load. Next, the coupler 5 is released from the coupling 6 and extended by retracting the height adjustment device 9, so that the operating infrastructure support device 1 is now mounted on the transport device 8 and can be transported away. The height adjustment device 9 can optionally be retracted further before or during transport.

[0062] Fig. 3A shows a schematic representation of an operational infrastructure system 10 in a decoupled state.

[0063] The operating infrastructure system 10 comprises a plurality of ceiling-mounted couplings 6-1 to 6-n designed for suspending operating infrastructure. This represents the use of a ceiling-mounted coupling 6 for the on-demand attachment and detachment of mobile operating infrastructure 3 by means of a support device 1, for which a coupler 5 corresponding to the coupling 6 of an operating infrastructure support device 1, as described with reference to the preceding figures, can be used in a sterile operating room 20 and / or in a sterile operating preparation room 21.

[0064] The operating infrastructure system 10 comprises, in addition to the operating infrastructure support device 1 and the couplings according to one of the preceding figures, the floor-mounted transport device 8, which is designed for transport within an operating room 20 shown schematically here. The floor-mounted transport device 8 is designed to position the support device under a selected coupling 6 of the majority of ceiling-mounted couplings 6-1 to 6-n, as symbolized by the movement arrow shown.

[0065] Fig. 3B shows a schematic representation of the operational infrastructure system 10 according to Fig. 3A in a coupled state.

[0066] The coupling function functions as described with reference to Figures 2A to 2D by means of the coupler 5 corresponding to the couplings 6 and the height adjustment device 9, wherein the height adjustment device 9 is designed to couple or uncouple the coupler 5 with the respective coupling 6. In further embodiments, however, the height adjustment device 9 can also be designed independently of the support structure 4, in particular not as a component of the operating infrastructure support device 1, but as a component of the transport device 8, for example in the form of a lifting platform 9' or the like (see Figure 5). Naturally, the transport device 8 also serves to receive the operating infrastructure support device 1 suspended from the coupling 6, analogous to the description in Figure 2B.

[0067] For both embodiments, the height adjustment device 9, 9' is designed, on the one hand, to insert the coupler 5 into the coupling 6 and subsequently relieve the transport device 8, so that the support device 1 hangs on the selected ceiling-mounted coupling 6, and on the other hand, to relieve the coupling 6 and receive the support device 1 through the transport device 8, so that the support device 1 can be transported with the transport device 8.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 8 is further designed as an autonomous transport device, so that a selected coupling 6 of the majority of ceiling-mounted couplings 6-1 to 6-n can be approached autonomously. A control unit 12 of the operational infrastructure system 10 is provided for the corresponding control of the transport device 8, with access to a database 22.

[0069] The transport device 8 has a drive unit 24 and may also have a control unit 23 for the drive unit 24. Furthermore, the transport device may have a sensor unit 25 to obtain optical, acoustic, ultrasound-based, LDAR-based, radar-based and / or other sensor data about the environment and the arrangement of the couplings 6-1 to 6-n.

[0070] For example, in one embodiment, the control unit 23 of the drive unit 24 autonomously controls the movements of the transport device 8 based on sensor data, for example by means of an artificial intelligence module (AIM) that includes a trained neural network. The neural network (NN) processes the supplied sensor data in real time and generates control signals for the drive unit 24 of the transport device 8. The couplings 6-1 to 6-n can each have a navigation element that has an individual code or signature recognizable by the sensor unit 25. This could, for example, be an optical navigation element with an individual code that is recognizable by the sensor unit 25 with an optical sensor. In this way, the transport device 8 is configured for the spatial recognition of the navigation element.The controller 23 is then able to control the drive unit 24 to autonomously engage a selected coupling 6 from the majority of ceiling-mounted couplings 6-1 to 6-n. The selection of a coupling is received by the controller 23 in particular from the controller 12 of the operational infrastructure system 10, which, for example, retrieves the data of an upcoming planned surgical procedure and the corresponding configuration of the operating room from the database 22.

[0071] If the sensor unit 25 detects a position under a selected coupling 6, the drive unit 24 can be stopped and / or locked to ensure a stable position for the transport device 8. This allows an operating infrastructure support device 1 transported by the transport device 8 to be safely suspended from the selected coupling 6, here, for example, coupling 6-4, or an operating infrastructure support device 1 suspended from a selected coupling to be picked up by the transport device 8.

[0072] In one embodiment, a height adjustment device 9' can be coupled to or integrally formed with the transport device 8 and is actuated. In this case, the actuator of the height adjustment device 9' can also be controlled, in particular, by means of the control unit 23 of the transport device. The control unit 23 receives the selection of an action in conjunction with a selected coupling 6, in particular, from the control unit 12 of the operating infrastructure system 10, for example, also based on the data of an upcoming planned surgical procedure and the corresponding configuration of the operating room 20 from the database 22. The control unit 23 is then able to actuate the actuator for adjusting the height of the height adjustment device 9' for the corresponding action, such as coupling or uncoupling the coupler 5 with the respective coupling 6.

[0073] For various possible configurations of operating room 20, the couplings 6-1 to 6-n are arranged, for example, in a regular or irregular grid across the surface of the ceiling, at least two-dimensionally, and are ceiling-bound.

[0074] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a hybrid coupling 13 and a hybrid coupler 14.

[0075] This is a detailed representation of the area of ​​the coupler 5 of a carrier device 1 and a coupling 6 according to an exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, the coupling 6 has a mechanical receiving element 18 on which the coupler 5 acts. In particular, the coupler 5 has an actuator 14 which interacts with the mechanical receiving element 18 for locking and unlocking via an actuator-adjustable locking element.

[0076] For example, the receiving element 18 can be designed as a notch or groove with an undercut, and the actuator for rotating an eccentric, as symbolized by the rotation arrow in Fig. 4, can be designed as a locking element that engages in the undercut in a first locking position and releases it in a second unlocked position. Of course, other types of locking mechanisms are equally possible in further embodiments.

[0077] To facilitate the insertion of the locking element into the receiving element 18, a centering aid 26 is provided on the coupling 6, which, as shown in Fig. 4, is merely an example of a guide that is inclined or conically shaped relative to the insertion direction. In this way, the coupler 5 slides automatically into the coupling 6 when its height is adjusted by the height adjustment device 9.

[0078] In addition to the mechanical coupling, the coupling 6 and the coupler 5 are also designed for power supply coupling. For this purpose, a parallel power supply coupling 27 is provided on the coupling 6 and a parallel power supply coupler 28 on the coupler 5. The coupling 6, together with the power supply coupling 27, is thus designed as a hybrid coupling 13 and can be used for the additional supply of the operational infrastructure, for example with electrical energy, liquid, gas and / or vacuum, as well as alternatively or additionally to the data connection for data exchange within the operational infrastructure. In this way, the operational infrastructure 3, which is symbolized here by supply lines V, can be supplied via the coupling.

[0079] Fig. 5A shows an actuator-adjustable locking element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0080] The coupling shown with a solid line has a locking element 35 which is rotatable about a pivot axis 36 extending in the insertion direction and which is mounted in the coupling.

[0081] The locking element 25 is designed as an eccentric. This has an actuating section 37 on an insertion side of the coupling 6 shown below, here for example in the form of a square bore, via which the locking element can be rotated within the coupling about the axis of rotation 36.

[0082] A coupler 5 inserted via the centering aid 26 has, by way of example, a head 38 which is received in a receiving element 18 designed to receive the head shape, here by way of example in the form of a round notch.

[0083] An actuator 14, shown here only schematically, is designed and arranged in such a way that it can rotate the locking element 35 for locking and unlocking from below through a bore in the coupler 5 in engagement with the actuating section 37.

[0084] Fig. 5B shows the actuator-adjustable locking element according to Fig. 5A in an open state.

[0085] If the locking element 35 is in the open position, as in Fig. 5B, the coupler 5 has sufficient space to position the head 38 in the coupling 6. If the locking element 35 is closed by a rotary movement with the actuator 14, as in Fig. 5A, the coupler 5 is positioned in the coupling and the head 38 is clamped in the receiving element 18.

[0086] By rotating the locking element 35, which is shown in an additional isolated top view in Fig. 5B and is designed as an eccentric, the coupler 5 is guided, in particular also laterally to the axis of rotation 36, into a predetermined position within the coupling 6 for coupling.

[0087] Fig. 6 shows an operational infrastructure system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0088] The operational infrastructure system 10 comprises several ground-based transport devices 8; for example, two transport devices 8 are shown here. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, unlike in Fig. 2, the height adjustment device 9' is integrated into each of the transport devices 8, by way of example as a scissor lift device. In other embodiments, numerous other types of height adjustment devices 9' can be integrated into the transport devices 8, for example, including spindle drives, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, rack and pinion drives, pulleys, gas springs, or the like.

[0089] On the left side of Fig. 6, an operating infrastructure support device 1 is already shown suspended from a coupling 6. This is a self-powered operating infrastructure, so no hybrid coupling is required and a hybrid plug next to the coupler 5 is omitted. For example, a material cabinet is provided here as the support platform 2 for the operating infrastructure 3.

[0090] In principle, a support platform 2 can have a wide variety of configurations in other embodiments. Besides being designed as a shelf, box, or cabinet with flaps or drawers, it can also be a different type of support interface, for example, with or for a holder for special surgical devices, instruments, or robots.

[0091] However, the ceiling-mounted coupling 6 is independently equipped as a hybrid coupling 13 with a supply coupling 27. Thus, the same coupling 6 can also be used in a different operating room configuration for an operating infrastructure with the required supply V.

[0092] The support structure 4 of the operational infrastructure carrier device 1 further features a kinematic element in the form of a rotary joint 19, which provides one rotational degree of freedom and thus enables the carrier platform 2, or in this case the material cabinet, to rotate.

[0093] The transport devices 8 are designed here as examples of autonomous transport robots. The left transport robot, after lifting the operating infrastructure carrier device 1 representing its payload and anchoring it in the coupling 6, has already autonomously left the operating room 20. For example, the left transport robot can leave the operating room and move to an adjacent operating preparation room or sterile technical room to be reloaded with a different operating infrastructure carrier device 1, in particular one equipped with a different operating infrastructure as payload.

[0094] The operational infrastructure support device 1 shown here on the left hand has, as a variant, a fixed column as a support structure 4, without its own height adjustment device 9, since for this application the transport robot has a lifting device, here by way of example a scissor lift, with sufficient lifting height to reach the coupling 6.

[0095] The further transport robot 8 shown on the right is loaded with a different type of operating infrastructure carrier device 1 in the form of a multi-story instrument carrier, which is equipped with a plurality of surgical instruments as operating infrastructure 3.

[0096] Dashed lines illustrate an example of a door, specifically sliding door 30, leading to the operating room, which the transport robot 8 with the operating infrastructure support device 1 has already passed through. Even though this is a tall operating infrastructure support device 1, when the lifting platform is retracted, the transport robot and instrument carrier are low enough to fit under the lintel 29 of the sliding door 30. After positioning itself below the selected coupling 6, the transport robot uses its lifting platform to raise the instrument carrier against the coupling 6. An additional telescopic lifting column, integrated into the support structure 4, serves as a height adjustment device 9 and can, if necessary, complete the remaining travel until the coupler 5 docks with the coupling 6.This operating infrastructure 3, in the form of surgical instruments, contains devices that are supplied via the supply coupler 28 from the supply coupling 27 as soon as the connection to the hybrid coupling 13 is established. After the connection has been established, the autonomous transport robot can lower its lifting platform and leave the operating room autonomously, just as described with regard to the left transport robot.

[0097] In contrast to the left-hand operating infrastructure support device 1, in the case of the right-hand operating infrastructure support device 1, which has a telescopic lifting column as a height adjustment device 9, a working height can be set independently.

[0098] Fig. 7 shows an operational infrastructure system 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment.

[0099] The coupling shown here (other couplings are not shown for clarity) is attached to a ceiling guide system 17, here exemplified as a double arm, of a ceiling supply unit 34. Thus, the position of the coupling 6 can be varied by means of the ceiling guide system of the ceiling supply unit 34.

[0100] As an example of a ground-based transport device 8, a transport robot without its own height adjustment device 9' is provided. Instead, a height adjustment device 9 with a large stroke is integrated into the support structure 4 of the surgical infrastructure carrier device 1, which is also designed as an instrument carrier. Here, this is implemented purely as an example, as a double-extendable telescopic column. The telescopic lifting column is operated autonomously, for example, with a battery as its power source, when the surgical infrastructure carrier device 1 is mounted on the transport robot. This configuration enables simultaneous adjustment of the transport device 8 and the height adjustment device 9, as symbolized by the two movement arrows, thus reducing installation time.The transport robot moves into position through the sliding door 30, while, after passing the door lintel 29, the telescopic lifting column simultaneously extends against the hybrid coupling 13 of the ceiling supply unit 34. Thus, upon reaching the position below the coupling 6, only a small residual stroke needs to be overcome to couple the coupler 5 to the coupling 6 and establish a secure intervention. The instrument carrier can then be positioned as needed on the double arm of the ceiling supply unit 34, as is familiar to specialists from permanently installed equipment carriers on such ceiling supply units. The advantage here, however, is that the payload of the ceiling supply unit 34 can be made available on a case-specific and interdisciplinary basis. Thus, a clinic can, if necessary,This eliminates the need for additional ceiling supply units or even another operating room, making the OR more universally usable with less infrastructure that would otherwise take up unused space in the OR.

[0101] Fig. 8 shows an operational infrastructure system according to a further exemplary embodiment.

[0102] The image shows an operating room situation after ceiling-mounted installation of the operating infrastructure using a floor-mounted transport device.

[0103] In the middle of the operating room is a floor-mounted operating table 32.

[0104] As a payload for the support devices 1, a multi-tiered instrument carrier with a material cabinet is provided on the left in Fig. 8 as operating infrastructure 3. The instrument carrier has a longitudinally adjustable sliding unit 33 as a kinematic element directly on the coupler 5 for horizontal fine positioning of the entire instrument carrier. Furthermore, a telescopic lifting column is provided as a height adjustment device 9.

[0105] On the right-hand side, the support device 1 is designed as a telescopic mount for a surgical robot 31. For this purpose, the surgical robot 31 is combined with a telescopic lifting column forming the support structure 4. The support platform 2 is designed here as a robot base, on which, purely by way of example, two robot arms are provided. Furthermore, the support device 1 also features a height adjustment device 9 integrated into the support structure 4 with a large adjustment range, which is designed as a telescopic lifting column.

[0106] For free positioning of the robot base in space, the support device 1 has two kinematic elements: a pivoting device 15 for pivoting the robot base and a rotation joint 16 to compensate for any rotation caused by the pivoting. As shown here, the arms of the surgical robot are pivoted upwards into a resting position before and after an operation to free up space below.

[0107] Due to a lack of a suitable base, an additional coupler is shown on the underside of the robot base (receptacle 7). This coupler functions as interface 11 and can be connected to the transport robot during transport. The transport robot can be equipped with a corresponding coupling for this purpose.

[0108] Due to the position of the ceiling-mounted couplings 6, the operational infrastructures are installed in precisely predetermined locations, so that an operator always encounters the same conditions.

[0109] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary ground-based operational infrastructure according to the state of the art.

[0110] In a conventional operating room configuration, the operating infrastructure 3, here analogous to Fig. 8, consists of an equipment cart with an instrument carrier and a surgical robot 31, but arranged on casters that are manually moved to the desired position in the operating room. However, the position can only be controlled approximately and with little reproducibility, and personnel are required to set up the infrastructure.

[0111] Furthermore, robots and equipment towers mounted on wheels can tip over or be moved if bumped. This infrastructure also takes up floor space that can no longer be accessed by surgical personnel.

[0112] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in many ways. List of reference numerals

[0113] Operational infrastructure support device

[0114] Carrier platform

[0115] Operational infrastructure

[0116] support structure

[0117] coupler

[0118] Coupling -1 to 6-n Plural of ceiling-mounted couplings

[0119] Recording

[0120] Transport device

[0121] Height adjustment device ' Height adjustment device 0 Operating infrastructure system 1 Interface 2 Control unit 3 Hybrid coupling 4 Actuator 5 Swivel device 6 Rotation joint 7 Double arm 8 Receiving element 9 Swivel joint 0 Operating room 1 Operating preparation room 2 Database 3 Control unit 4 Drive unit 5 Sensor unit 6 Centering aid 7 Supply coupling 8 Supply coupler 9 Door lintel 0 Sliding door Operating robot Operating table Shifting unit Ceiling supply unit Locking element Rotary axis Actuating section

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Operational infrastructure support device (1), comprising: a support platform (2) designed to accommodate an operational infrastructure (3); a support structure (4) extending from the support platform (2); a coupler (5) arranged at an upper end of the support structure (4), designed to couple with a ceiling-mounted coupling (6), so that the operational infrastructure support device (1) can be suspended from the ceiling-mounted coupling (6); and a receptacle (7) arranged at a lower end of the support structure (4), designed as an interface to a ground-based transport device (8), so that the operational infrastructure support device (1) can be transported on the ground-based transport device (8).

2. Operational infrastructure support device according to claim 1, d ad u rch ken nze i ch net , that the support structure has a height adjustment device (9), in particular a telescopic lifting column, for variably adjusting a distance between the support platform (2) and the coupler (5) and / or between the receptacle (7) and the coupler (5).

3. Operational infrastructure support device according to claim 2, d ad u rch ken nze i ch net , that the height adjustment device (9) is designed to insert the coupler into the coupling for coupling or to lead it out of the coupling for uncoupling by adjusting the height adjustment device (9), and / or is designed to raise or lower the support platform together with the operational infrastructure (3) and receptacle (7).

4. Operational infrastructure carrier device according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch ge ke n nze ich n et that the coupler (5) in addition to the mechanical coupling for supply coupling for a supply (V) the operational infrastructure is equipped, in particular by means of a hybrid coupling (13) for additional supply of electrical energy, liquid, gas, vacuum and / or for data exchange.

5. Operational infrastructure carrier device according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch ge ke n nze ich n et that the coupler has an actuator (14) which is designed for active mechanical locking and / or unlocking with the coupling.

6. Operational infrastructure support device according to one of the preceding claims, which by means of which it is indicated that the support structure (4) and / or the support platform (2) has a kinematic element (15; 16; 17; 18; 19), in particular in addition to the height adjustment device (9), which provides at least one kinematic degree of freedom of the operational infrastructure (3) mounted on the support platform (2) vis-à-vis the coupler, in particular a rotational adjustability about a vertical and / or about a horizontal axis and / or a translational adjustability in the horizontal plane.

7. Operational infrastructure system (10), comprising: a floor-based transport device (8) designed for transport within an operating room; a plurality of ceiling-mounted couplings (6-1 to 6-n) designed for suspending operational infrastructure; a support device, in particular an operational infrastructure support device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, designed to receive an operational infrastructure (3) and comprising a coupler (5) corresponding to the couplings (6-1 to 6-n); and a height adjustment device (9; 9'), wherein the floor-based transport device (8) is designed for placing and / or receiving the support device under a selected coupling (6) of the plurality of ceiling-mounted couplings (6-1 to 6-n), and wherein the height adjustment device (9) is designed for coupling or uncoupling the coupler (5) with the respective coupling (6).

8. Operational infrastructure system according to claim 7, dad u rch g e ek nze i ch net that the height adjustment device (9; 9') for inserting the head- lers (5) is designed to engage the coupling (6) and subsequently relieve the transport device (8), so that the support device (1) hangs on the selected ceiling-mounted coupling (6), and / or that the height adjustment device (9; 9') is designed to relieve the coupling (6) and receive the support device (1) through the transport device (8), so that the support device (1) can be transported with the transport device (8).

9. Operational infrastructure system according to claim 7 or 8, d ad u rch ken nze i ch net , that the transport device (8) is designed as an autonomous transport device, so that a selected coupling (6) of the plurality of ceiling-mounted couplings (6-1 to 6-n) can be approached autonomously, in particular controlled by a controller (12) of the operational infrastructure system (10).

10. Operational infrastructure system according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the height adjustment device (9; 9') is actuated and, upon reaching a selected coupling (6) of the plurality of ceiling-mounted couplings (6-1 to 6-n) with the ground-mounted transport device (8), the height adjustment device (9) can be controlled for height adjustment, in particular by a control (12) of the operational infrastructure system (10).

11. Operational infrastructure system according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the carrier device (4) is designed according to claim 5, and the coupling (6) has a mechanical receiving element (18) on which the actuator (14) of the coupler acts, in particular via an actuator-adjustable locking element of the coupler (5), for locking and unlocking.

12. Operational infrastructure system according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the couplings (6-1 to 6-n) are arranged in a regular or irregular grid on the ceiling and / or are attached to a ceiling guide system (17), wherein the couplings (6-1 to 6-n) each have a navigation element, in particular an individual navigation element, wherein the transport device (8) is used for spatial The device is designed for the detection of and / or remote connection with the navigation element, in particular for autonomously approaching a selected coupling (6) of the majority of ceiling-mounted couplings (6-1 to 6-n).

13. Operational infrastructure system according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the couplings (6-1 to 6-n) and / or the coupler (5) have a centering aid, in particular a feeder inclined and / or substantially conical in shape to the insertion direction.

14. Use of a ceiling-mounted coupling (6) for the on-demand coupling and uncoupling of mobile operating infrastructure (3) by means of a carrier device (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 7, with a coupler (5) corresponding to the coupling (6), in particular in an operating infrastructure system according to one of claims 7 to 13, in a sterile operating room (20) and / or in a sterile operating preparation room (21).

15. Use according to claim 14, d ad u rch ge ke n nze ich net that the ceiling-mounted coupling (6) is attached to a ceiling guide system (17), in particular to an arm of a ceiling supply device or to a trolley of a ceiling rail system, and / or that the ceiling-mounted coupling is designed, in addition to the mechanical coupling, for the supply coupling for a supply (V) of the operating infrastructure (3), in particular for the supply of electrical energy, liquid, gas, vacuum and / or for data exchange.

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